El Derbi Barceloní: Live Streaming & Kickoff Info

🌟 Barcelona vs Espanyol: Your Ultimate Guide to Watching El Derbi Barceloní in the Copa Catalunya 🌟

The **Copa Catalunya** isn’t just another regional trophy—it’s a fiery clash of pride, history, and bragging rights between **Barcelona** and **Espanyol**. Whether you’re a die-hard *Culé*, a loyal *Periquito*, or a neutral fan craving drama, this guide has everything you need to watch, stream, and savor every moment of **El Derbi Barceloní**. From kickoff times to tactical breakdowns, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

### **📅 When & Where to Watch Barcelona vs Espanyol**

**🗓️ Date**: Saturday, 24 August 2024

**⏰ Time**: 20:00 CEST / 2:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM BST

**🏟️ Venue**: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Barcelona’s temporary home)

**🏆 Competition**: Copa Catalunya Final

### **🌍 How to Watch Live: Global Streaming Guide**

Don’t miss a second of this iconic rivalry! Here’s how to tune in worldwide:

#### **🇪🇸 Spain**

- **TV**: Barça TV, Esport3

- **Stream**: [Barca TV+](https://www.barcatv.fcbarcelona.com) (subscription required), [Movistar+](https://www.movistar.es)

#### **🇺🇸 USA**

- **Stream**: ESPN+ (exclusive coverage)

*(Fun fact: ESPN+ subscriptions start at $10.99/month—cheaper than a ticket to Camp Nou!)*

#### **🇬🇧 UK**

- **TV**: Premier Sports 2

- **Stream**: [Premier Player](https://www.premierplayer.tv)

#### **🌐 Rest of the World**

- **India**: Sony Liv

- **Middle East**: beIN Sports

- **Latin America**: Star+

**📢 Pro Tip**: Use a VPN like **NordVPN** or **ExpressVPN** to bypass geo-restrictions if your region lacks coverage.

### **🔥 Why This Match Matters: More Than Just a Friendly**

While the Copa Catalunya is a *non-FIFA-sanctioned* regional tournament, the stakes are sky-high for these two clubs:

1. **Bragging Rights**: Barcelona and Espanyol share one of Spain’s oldest rivalries, dating back to **1929**. Espanyol’s 2-1 win in the 2023 Copa Catalunya final still stings Barça fans!

2. **Youth Development**: Both teams often field academy stars. Watch for Barça’s **Lamine Yamal** (16) and Espanyol’s **Javi Puado** (25)—the future of Catalan football.

3. **Momentum Builder**: With La Liga starting soon, this match is a critical warm-up. Xavi’s Barça lost 3-2 to Espanyol in July—revenge is on the menu!

### **📊 Head-to-Head Stats: A Rivalry of Contrasts**

**Total Matches**: 194

- **Barcelona Wins**: 118

- **Espanyol Wins**: 44

- **Draws**: 32

- **Last Meeting**: Espanyol 2-1 Barcelona (2023 Copa Catalunya Final)

**😱 Shock Fact**: Espanyol have won **3 of the last 5 Copa Catalunya finals** against Barça. Can they make it 4?

### **👥 Team News & Predicted Lineups**

#### **Barcelona**

- **Injuries**: Gavi (ACL recovery), Alejandro Balde (muscle fatigue)

- **Key Player**: Robert Lewandowski (scored 24 goals last season)

- **Predicted XI (4-3-3)**:

Ter Stegen; Koundé, Araújo, Christensen, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong, Fermín; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Yamal

#### **Espanyol**

- **Injuries**: Keidi Bare (ankle), Sergi Darder (suspended)

- **Key Player**: Martin Braithwaite (ex-Barça striker, 14 goals in 2023-24)

- **Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)**:

García; Gil, Cabrera, Montes, Olivan; Souza, Expósito; Puado, Melamed, Lozano; Braithwaite

### **🔑 Key Battles to Watch**

1. **Lewandowski vs Cabrera**: Espanyol’s rock-solid defender **Leandro Cabrera** must contain Barça’s Polish hitman.

2. **Pedri vs Souza**: A midfield masterclass in the making. Pedri’s creativity vs Souza’s physicality.

3. **Lamine Yamal vs Oscar Gil**: Can Espanyol’s right-back handle Barça’s teenage phenom?

### **🎙️ Pre-Match Quotes: Mind Games Begin!**

**Xavi Hernández (Barcelona Manager)**:

*“The Copa Catalunya is a trophy we respect. Espanyol are strong, but we’re at home. We must set the tone for the season.”*

**Luis García (Espanyol Manager)**:

*“Our fans deserve this. Beating Barça in their backyard? That’s the dream.”*

### **📈 Tactical Analysis: Barça’s Possession vs Espanyol’s Counter-Attacks**

- **Barcelona’s Style**: Expect **75%+ possession**, quick interchanges, and overlaps from Cancelo.

- **Espanyol’s Strategy**: Sit deep, exploit set-pieces, and unleash Braithwaite on the break.

**💡 Wildcard Factor**: Espanyol’s **Joselu** (on loan from Real Madrid) loves scoring against Barça!

### **🍿 Fan Experience: Where to Watch in Barcelona**

Can’t get tickets? Join the electric atmosphere at:

- **Cerveseria Catalana** (Gràcia): Packed with locals and giant screens.

- **El Born Bar**: Rooftop views + tapas.